Box Score SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Grace's women's soccer team pulled off a 1-0 upset against No. 21 ranked Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday night.
Autumn Raulerson's game-winning goal came in the final minutes of a game that seemed destined for overtime. After being substituted into the match just minutes earlier, Raulerson scored at the 87-minute mark off an assist by
Allison Vroon.
The match was tightly contested as both teams seemed evenly matched. The Lady Lancers (2-1-1) outshot the Coyotes 12-10; both teams had five shots on goal. Grace had the advantage in corner kicks 6-2 and in general had a significantly higher portion of possession.
Grace's usual tactics were changed due to the game starting in 105 degree temperatures under the hot California sun. The Lady Lancers wisely used their deep bench liberally throughout the match, gradually wearing down Kansas Wesleyan.
Sacia Hanson tried to get Grace on the board early, but her shot at the 21 minute mark was saved by the Coyote goalkeeper. The match flowed nicely in the first half as each team went into the break with only one foul a piece.
In the second half, Grace picked up its attack as a deep bench and fresh legs took its toll on the Coyotes.
McKenna Cruz almost put Grace ahead in the 63rd minute. A corner kick by Vroon led to a Cruz header, but the shot was saved.
Hannah Tkacz got a shot on frame in the 76th minute, but her attempt was to no avail.
Neither team was poised to give in until Raulerson's goal. KWU had little time to recover and settled for the 1-0 defeat.
Abby Schue earned the shutout win for Grace with five saves; she had support from her back line of
Sabina Meyers,
Carlie Salinas,
Aubrey Feipel and Tkacz. Vroon, Hanson and
Liz Van Wormer led Grace's attack with two shots each.
Grace did a better job at executing its attack in the second half. The Lancers outshot the Coyotes 8-4; their accuracy improved as four of their five shots on goal came in the latter part of the contest. The game was called fairly evenly for both sides as Kansas Wesleyan led in fouls 6-5.
Grace will look to carry its momentum into its upcoming match against No. 19 ranked Embry-Riddle. This will be the final match on the Lancer's trip to California. The match kicks off Monday at 12 p.m.
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